What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Understanding What Drinks to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and what a mother consumes can significantly impact her child’s health. While many foods and drinks are safe, certain beverages should be approached with caution or avoided altogether to ensure the well-being of the breastfeeding infant.
Alcohol: A Cautionary Tale
Alcohol consumption during breastfeeding is a contentious topic. The consensus among health professionals is that while occasional drinking may not pose a significant risk, it is advisable to limit intake. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggests that if a mother chooses to drink, she should not exceed one or two units of alcohol more than once or twice a week. Alcohol can pass into breast milk, and excessive consumption may affect the baby’s development and sleep patterns. Therefore, moderation is key, and timing is essential—waiting at least two hours after drinking before breastfeeding can help minimize any potential effects on the baby.
Caffeine: A Double-Edged Sword
Caffeine is another beverage component that breastfeeding mothers should monitor closely. While it is generally safe in moderation, excessive caffeine can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Studies indicate that some caffeine does transfer into breast milk, which can affect a baby’s sleep cycle. Experts recommend limiting caffeine intake to about 300 mg per day, roughly equivalent to two to three cups of coffee. Mothers should also consider how their own caffeine consumption affects their ability to rest, especially during those demanding early months of motherhood.
Sugary Drinks: Empty Calories
Sugary beverages, including regular sodas and fruit drinks, should also be avoided. These drinks provide little nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues for the mother. Instead of reaching for these calorie-laden options, it is advisable to hydrate with water, which is essential for maintaining milk production and overall health. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially since breastfeeding can increase thirst.
Herbal Teas and Other Beverages
Certain herbal teas and drinks may also pose risks. Some herbs can affect milk supply or may not be safe for infants. It’s best for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers about which herbal teas are safe to consume. Additionally, drinks containing high levels of artificial sweeteners should be approached with caution, as their long-term effects on infants are not fully understood.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding, mothers should be mindful of their beverage choices. Limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding sugary drinks, and being cautious with herbal teas can help ensure a healthy breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby. Staying informed and consulting healthcare professionals can provide further guidance tailored to individual circumstances, promoting a nurturing environment for the infant’s growth and development.

What foods decrease breast milk supply?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

• Alcohol.
• Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
• Chasteberry.
• Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

To help dry up your milk supply:

• Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:

• Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep.
• Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods.
• Fish.
• Chocolate.
• Garlic.
• Peppermint, sage, and parsley.

Do and don’ts of breastfeeding?

Make sure you do not eat anything that causes gas or constipation in your baby’s stomach as what you eat may affect your baby’s digestion. Make sure you include all sorts of proteins and vitamins in your diet. Make a habit of drinking milk regularly. Your breast milk may slightly have the taste of the food you eat.

What drinks increase breast milk supply?

Herbal Teas (e.g., fenugreek, nettle, fennel)
Research Evidence: Adding fenugreek to your diet (either as a tea or supplement) has been shown to increase milk production, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Recommendation: Enjoy a cup of herbal tea (fenugreek, nettle, or fennel) daily.

Which fruits should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Food Items to Avoid During Breastfeeding:

• Chocolate.
• Spices like cinnamon, garlic, curry, chili pepper.
• Citrus fruits and their juices, like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
• Strawberries.
• Kiwifruit.
• Pineapple.
• The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.

What drinks should I avoid when breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What drinks increase milk supply?

Drinks that can increase breast milk supply

• Breast milk contains 12 percent solids and 88 percent water.
• Lactation teas generally contain herbs known to be galactagogues.
• Fenugreek is one of the most common galactagogues.
• Barley water is a drink made from barley grain.